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I think this is a good move for him for this simple reason. The life of a HB isn't very long. His clock is ticking. If he enters the draft and can get picked up in the 2nd-3rd round then he's going to make some good money. He'll rehab with the best in the country and get back to tip top shape (better than he could do while going to class and having other things to occupy his time). Then once he's healed and able to play he can go out there immediately. If he's able to play and get some PT in the very last game of the season ... it's better than any possible scenario he'd have at SC. If he returns he's out of next season no matter what. If he goes pro, he can work and get healthy whenever he does. If he's even able to play a few games. He could show out in those games and maybe get thrown in a trade or pick up a bigger contract.

If he returns to school he's cutting AT LEAST 2 years off his NFL career ... time that his body may not allow him to pick up on the back side of his career.

For him to make BIG BUCKS, he has to rehab himself back to his 2010 level. My opinion is that this year he wasn't his best - he was good, but not superman (BIG BUCKS) level. So the odds are that after a SECOND rehab he won't be superman this time either. And remember: Football careers are short.

And when it ends, he'll be just another jock without a degree. And before anyone argues that he can get a degree after football, tell that to people who don't have a degree. They could go back too, but they don't because of family obligations, etc.

There's no reason to take this risk. If he rehabs back to his old self, the stay-in-school path gives him his degree AND BIG BUCKS when he enters the draft as #1 Heisman Trophy guy.

I agree that a case could be made for jumping at the money now, but his long-term lifestyle is at stake.

It is very smart for him and helpful to USC.
1) He is going to get paid to rehab with the best doctors.
2)He is going to take a hit on his signing bonus and first contract HOWEVER he will get to the all important second contract a year earlier and that is where he will make his money.
3)He is still being projected by some as a 2nd or 3rd round pick which unfathomable to me. However if anyone can do that coming off an injury like that is Marcus. He will interview well, his work ethic and the person he is will get people on his side.
4) He was the top rated RB prospect for the draft at the start of the year. This years class is weak and next year RB class is a lot stronger which will hurt him.
5) He is helping USC we are going to face reduced scholarships I believe next year. We need every available player possible.
6) He will get his degree. Plenty of football players finish their degrees in the NFL and he will have an easier time taking classes being on the IR than an active roster player.

For him to make BIG BUCKS, he has to rehab himself back to his 2010 level. My opinion is that this year he wasn't his best - he was good, but not superman (BIG BUCKS) level. So the odds are that after a SECOND rehab he won't be superman this time either. And remember: Football careers are short.

And when it ends, he'll be just another jock without a degree. And before anyone argues that he can get a degree after football, tell that to people who don't have a degree. They could go back too, but they don't because of family obligations, etc.

There's no reason to take this risk. If he rehabs back to his old self, the stay-in-school path gives him his degree AND BIG BUCKS when he enters the draft as #1 Heisman Trophy guy.

I agree that a case could be made for jumping at the money now, but his long-term lifestyle is at stake.

Lol...

What risk is he taking going to the NFL? He can get paid now get rehabbed with some of the best in the business. RB's have short shelf life and him staying here two more years would be stupid. Even if he played for USC there's no guarantee he won't get hurt again.

I think this is a good move for him for this simple reason. The life of a HB isn't very long. His clock is ticking. If he enters the draft and can get picked up in the 2nd-3rd round then he's going to make some good money. He'll rehab with the best in the country and get back to tip top shape (better than he could do while going to class and having other things to occupy his time). Then once he's healed and able to play he can go out there immediately. If he's able to play and get some PT in the very last game of the season ... it's better than any possible scenario he'd have at SC. If he returns he's out of next season no matter what. If he goes pro, he can work and get healthy whenever he does. If he's even able to play a few games. He could show out in those games and maybe get thrown in a trade or pick up a bigger contract.

If he returns to school he's cutting AT LEAST 2 years off his NFL career ... time that his body may not allow him to pick up on the back side of his career.

For him to make BIG BUCKS, he has to rehab himself back to his 2010 level. My opinion is that this year he wasn't his best - he was good, but not superman (BIG BUCKS) level. So the odds are that after a SECOND rehab he won't be superman this time either. And remember: Football careers are short.

And when it ends, he'll be just another jock without a degree. And before anyone argues that he can get a degree after football, tell that to people who don't have a degree. They could go back too, but they don't because of family obligations, etc.

There's no reason to take this risk. If he rehabs back to his old self, the stay-in-school path gives him his degree AND BIG BUCKS when he enters the draft as #1 Heisman Trophy guy.

I agree that a case could be made for jumping at the money now, but his long-term lifestyle is at stake.

As much as I would like Marcus to tote the pigskin for the Gamecocks again, it would be foolish for him to NOT make himself available for the draft. By going into the draft, he is doing what is best for himself and ultimately for USC also. I think it is pretty much a given that he will only be rehabbing in 2013. Would it be right for him to come back to USC in 2014 and upset the apple cart after we have been without him a year and have established other backs to run the ball for us? The man has to do what is best for him and entering the draft is just that.

I believe that he is scheduled to get his degree in May. He has planned to get his degree in 3 years and has worked very hard to accomplish that, on top of everything else he has done. He is doing what is best for him. Why can't be happy for him, appreciate what he has done for our university and wish nothing but success for him. I know I do.

Absolutely no way anybody should be disappointed in this decision. Dude played his heart out and gave both of his knees to this school. I absolutely cannot bear the though of him getting hurt as a Gamecock again, or at all for that matter. He is one in a million. Several others have said that whoever drafts him will gain them as a fan. I'm down with that. Don't have a favorite NFL team, but will have one as soon as he is drafted.

i think people are being trolled in this thread. i'd stay away from that negative stuff, it stinks of somebody on the tiger rag.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makindough

Man just imagine having him for 4 years..healthy...what he couldve done! I mean just what he did in the short, injured filled years, that he WAS here.

for the time that he was here, i really don't know if his injuries affected our overrall records much, personal stats? sure. But in 2011 we had 1 loss to Auburn with him full strength, and then after he went down, I honestly don't think he would have made a difference in that Arkansas loss b/c we got manhandled.

And this year both our losses were before he got injured. I don't know though, the 1st injury might have slowed him down a bit this year but probably not by much. I just don't think there was anywhere to run.

Maybe we would've won the Chicfila bowl against FSU had he not got hurt? that's the only Loss that really stands out to me as a "what could have been".

Absolutely no way anybody should be disappointed in this decision. Dude played his heart out and gave both of his knees to this school. I absolutely cannot bear the though of him getting hurt as a Gamecock again, or at all for that matter. He is one in a million. Several others have said that whoever drafts him will gain them as a fan. I'm down with that. Don't have a favorite NFL team, but will have one as soon as he is drafted.

I don't really care about NFL football. I will be a fan of Marcus always, but whatever happens in in the pros I will only have mild interest.

This. Anyone who is sad or is praying for him to come back is incredibly self-centered and the definition of a fan who thinks the athletes are here only for the fans' entertainment.

Out of line comment. There is nothing wrong with wanting him to come back so long as they accept that is not what Marcus wants. It's our job as FANS of the team to want want was is best for this team. It's Marcus job to want was is best for himself. We're certainly a better team with Marcus Lattimore on it that without him so there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting him tostay. If not respect, his wishes and say thank you for all you've done and good luck to you.

Out of line comment. There is nothing wrong with wanting him to come back so long as they accept that is not what Marcus wants. It's our job as FANS of the team to want want was is best for this team. It's Marcus job to want was is best for himself.

Being a fan of the team and being a fan of our players is not mutually exclusive. If one wasn't so short sighted as a "Fan" then they would also realize that Marcus doing well in the pros helps our team down the road by helping to attract top recruits with NFL potential to our program.

__________________
"When you come back in January, All Gas, No Brakes. Let's get ready to roll" - Coach Will Muschamp

Well we knew this day was coming, maybe not as soon as today, but we all knew it was lurking in the wind. Sad day, I mean good for Lattimore, but sad for us fans.

People can say we are selfish and all that, and I will agree with you. Yes I am, who would not be selfish about the greatest Running Back we have ever had.
With that said. I wish you well Marcus. In all things in life. You are and forever will be a Gamecock.

Being a fan of the team and being a fan of our players is not mutually exclusive. If one wasn't so short sighted as a "Fan" then they would also realize that Marcus doing well in the pros helps our team down the road by helping to attract top recruits with NFL potential to our program.

Not saying he wouldn't have a great pro career anyway. But him doing well in the pros isn't as good for us as him helping us win championships on the field.

I don't understand why you think that? We are football fans. That is what we do. No one would care about Marcus Lattimore if it wasn't for the football and the fans. Not saying he owes us anything, but he wouldn't have a grand opportunity to make millions of dollars playing a game without us. I think some of us have gotten a little too personal when it comes to this guy. Seem too emotionally invested in what happens to him in his life. It's a little creepy to be honest. I think it's time we just take a step back from this young man and not get caught up so much in the outcome of his decision. Let's real it in a bit, and remember we are here because of a game.